Abstract: A medical balloon comprises a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first, and a generally cylindrical balloon wall extending therebetween to define an inflation chamber. The balloon wall is adapted for inflation from a first folded configuration having a first plurality of pleats to an expanded, unpleated configuration, and deflation therefrom to a second folded configuration having a second plurality of pleats. The balloon wall includes a first layer formed of a polymer and having a substantially constant radial thickness. A second layer is firmly attached to the first layer and has a plurality of first regions of greater radial thickness interleaved with a plurality of second regions of reduced radial thickness. During deflation from the expanded, unpleated configuration to the second folded configuration, the balloon wall folds along the regions of reduced radial thickness of the second layer to form the second plurality of pleats.

Abstract: A medical balloon comprises a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first, and a generally cylindrical balloon wall extending therebetween to define an inflation chamber. The balloon wall is adapted for inflation from a first folded configuration having a first plurality of pleats to an expanded, unpleated configuration, and deflation therefrom to a second folded configuration having a second plurality of pleats. The balloon wall includes a first layer formed of a polymer and having a substantially constant radial thickness. A second layer is firmly attached to the first layer and has a plurality of first regions of greater radial thickness interleaved with a plurality of second regions of reduced radial thickness. During deflation from the expanded, unpleated configuration to the second folded configuration, the balloon wall folds along the regions of reduced radial thickness of the second layer to form the second plurality of pleats.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a matted fabric layer composed of at least two matted fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a woven fabric layer composed of at least two woven fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A rapid exchange balloon dilation catheter comprises a shaft and a balloon. The catheter shaft includes a proximal tubular member having a bore and extending from the proximal portion into the transitional portion. The bore defines a proximal inflation/deflation lumen, and the distal portion is filled with a fluid-impervious barrier. A distal body extends from the barrier to the shaft distal end. A plurality of distal tubular members are provided, each having a bore and extending from the proximal lumen through the barrier and the distal body to the shaft distal end. The bores define distal inflation/deflation lumens in fluid communication with the proximal lumen at one end and with the balloon at the other end. A guidewire tubular member has a bore and originates from a side aperture, extends through the distal body in a multi-lumen arrangement, then through the interior of the balloon. The bore defines a guidewire lumen for conveying a guidewire.

Abstract: A shaft for a balloon dilation catheter comprises a proximal portion wherein a guidewire tubular member is disposed coaxially within an outer tubular member. Connected thereto is a shaft transitional portion, wherein the guidewire member is disposed within the outer member, as is at least one distal tubular member not present in the proximal portion. Connected thereto is a shaft distal portion, wherein the guidewire member and the distal members are disposed side-by-side and encased within a distal body, but the outer member is not present. The bore of the guidewire member defines a guidewire lumen, and the bores of the distal members define distal inflation/deflation lumens. The space in the proximal and transitional portions between the exterior of the guidewire member and the interior of the outer member defines a proximal inflation/deflation lumen.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon includes a balloon layer having an outer surface and a strengthening rod connected to the outer surface of the balloon layer. The strengthening rod may be connected longitudinally on the outer surface fo the balloon layer. Typically, the balloon is formed of a polymer like polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a woven fabric layer composed of at least two woven fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a matted fabric layer composed of at least two matted fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state..